By Robert Sutherland-Cohen***A frost-bitten audience streamed into Christ & St. Stephen’s Church and were greeted by the heat generating sounds of Dave Chamberlain’s Band of Bones. In its 14th Annual Tribute to famed jazz trombonist J.J. Johnson, 
Chamberlain quickly announced guest artists, trombonists Steve Turre and James Burton III, and frequent vocal associate, Antoinette Montague. He then wasted no time conducting a rousing opening number, “Band of Bones Blues” and an up-tempo “In Walked Horace” that set frozen feet tapping and hands clapping. With cheery anecdotes he then introduced each member of the trombone section: Max Seigel and Dale Turk (bass trombones), and David Gibson, Mark Patterson, Tim Sheier, Charley Gordon, Matt McDonald, and Chris Rinaman.
“Carolyn in the Morning” (written by J.J. Johnson for his wife) stood out from other tunes, backed by Chamberlain soloing on flute in a dreamy waltz tempo. At this point Chamberlain paused to acknowledge the backup rhythm section: Kenny Ascher (piano)
, Jennifer Vincent (bass), Mike Campenni (drums) and Chembo Corniel (congas). With a nod to J.J. Johnson’s vast skill as a musician, composer and arranger for such artists as Sarah Vaughan, Chamberlain then brought out guest vocalist Antoinette Montague to sing Johnson’s arrangements of “I Had a Ball” and “A Train” in her own inimitable upbeat style. Joyously singing “A Train,” Montague was not to be outdone by the trombone section during which she pulled out her discretely hidden kazoo and launched into a lively solo. Her sassyness was welcomed with sheer pleasure by the audience.
Rounding out the first portion of the afternoon were the other guest artists: trombonists Steve Turre and James Burton III. Turre led off with “Bloozineff” (Blues-in-F). The number provided an opportunity for Turre, along with the rhythm section, to call upon the soulful Jennifer 
Vincent to play an extended solo. Next, Burton joined in, posing the inimitable musical question “What Is This Thing Called Love?” The fast-paced number allowed him generous improvisational space along with Turre in the manner that J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding did in their notable collaborations—playing off each other. “Pennies from Heaven” closed out thef irst set with lush arrangements by Burton.
After a 10-minute intermission Chamberlain continued to play trombone and flute while cycling through additional charts by or associated with Johnson. During the course of the ensuing hour, ample time was devoted to Ms. Montague’s full-range rendition of “The Sweetest Sounds” and her rocking “No Particular Place to Go”—a Chuck Berry original that was recorded by Johnson on his Goodies album.
Sandwiched between Montague’s set and the return of Turre and Burton, a 
special treat awaited. This centerpiece was the three-part world premiere “Suite for Jay,” composed by Band of Bones own Mark Patterson. Shifting timbre, it was as if J.J. Johnson was actually in the room playing The Source, Inner Grace, and Blue Jay. The suite had the audience hanging on the edge of their seats, punctuating each section with applause. Absolutely lovely.
The concert closed on a high note with Burton and Turre joining the rhythm section for Johnson favorites “Boneology,” “Minor Blues” and a five-tune medley arranged by Turre, leading off with the renowned “Wee-Dot.” The heat generated by Band of Bones carried out the door into the chilly night.
Photos by Robert Sutherland-Cohen
